Roger and I have played every conceivable computer/console basketball game for as far back as I can remember. Name it, we probably played it: Konami’s Double Dribble (1986), Lakers vs. Celtics (1989), the NBA Live video game series (1995-2010), and most recently the NBA 2k series. Game play—I’m sure you will agree—has moved from the simplistic, comedic, and impossible to a more dynamic, serious, and realistic tone. Gone are the proficient half-court “I’m-facing-my-opponents-basket-and-my-shot-will-still-go-in,” heaves of Double Dribble and the peculiarly successful NBA Live Steve Nash 93-foot lobs to either a streaking Amar’e Stoudemire or Shawn Marion. Today’s game attempts to mirror their real life basketball counterparts, rewards team play, and takes the entire gaming experience to a different level.

The Action gamer versus the Statistical oriented player

In sports games such as these, two gamer types emerge: the ‘action gamer’ (AG) and the ‘statistical oriented player’ (SOP). My definition of an action gamer is one who is in it purely for the entertainment value. More often than not, you will see them always go for a highlight play such as a fancy assist, killer crossover, or a rim-rattling dunk. They are unconventional and willing to risk everything at any given moment—especially for the buzz that comes with that winning last-second highlight play.[i]

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[i] Remember that early 90’s Seattle Supersonics game wherein “The Glove” Gary Payton threw an ill-advised lob to the “Reign Man” Shawn Kemp? A lob, which ultimately cost them the game in the dying seconds of regulation? That my friends, in its purest form, is an action gamer play.